Reporting a Crime

A crime is an act that breaks the law and can be punished. Government attorneys handle these cases, representing the city, county, state, or federal government. There are different levels of crimes – more serious ones are called felonies, and less serious ones are called misdemeanors. Some examples of crimes are assault, battery, domestic and child abuse, arson, fraud, and tax evasion.

• Find your local precinct: nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/find-your-precinct.page
• NYC victim hotline number: 866-689-4357. It is available seven days a week for 24 hours a day (10-15 min wait).

Reporting Crimes Online (WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW WHO committed the crime)

You can use the NYPD Online Reporting Service to report a crime. This service lets you file a police report online for certain crimes or incidents. If you need immediate police assistance, dial 911 or call your local precinct. All reports are free.

 
Types of crimes that can be reported online:

• Lost property – a property that cannot be located; does not include property that you think was taken from your possession. Example: forgetting a package on the subway.
• Petit larceny – a property taken without permission valued at $1000 or less. It does not include property that was forcibly taken from you. Example: A bike being stolen in front of a store.
• Criminal mischief- intentional damage to property by a person. Example: Intentionally breaking a car window.
• Graffiti- intentionally drawing, scratching, or etching on property. Example: spray painting a storefront.
• If two vehicle plates are lost, stolen, or destroyed (or one plate if it is a vehicle that is only issued one plate, such as a motorcycle), you must notify the police and ask them to complete a police report. Bring the police report to a DMV office to surrender the vehicle registration.

 
To report a crime online, make sure that you:

• DO NOT know who committed the crime.
• May know if the crime was not captured on video.
• Must be a resident of one of the five boroughs of NYC, have a valid email address, and be 18 years-old or older.

 
How to File a Report Online:

• Make an NYPD Online account at nypdonline.org/link/nypd-online-reporting-service and then submit the report. Save your report number (complaint number) which is emailed within five business days of submitting the report. After that, you may receiving a call from a member of the NYPD if further information is needed.

Reporting to Local Precinct (WHEN YOU KNOW WHO committed the crime):

If you know of a crime that IS NOT one that can be reported online, you must report it to your local precinct.

 
Find your closest precinct: nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/find-your-precinct.page.
 
If you are unsure whether you are a victim of a crime or want to learn more ways you can receive help, visit: nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/victim-services/frequently-asked-questions.page or call the NYC Crime Victim hotline at: 866-689-4357.*
 

Domestic Violence

If know a victim of domestic violence or trauma, get help with the NYC Victim Hotline calling 866-689-4357. The hotline can provide free short-term counseling.

 
If the victim is in need of an order of protection for an inter-partner relationship (i.e. family, spouse, children), the NYC Victim Hotline can assist in getting that order. The NYC Victim Hotline can also connect callers to free legal services for domestic violence victims, whether it be for divorce, support groups, or any other of their concerns.
 

Resources
Family Justice Centers nyc.gov/site/ocdv/programs/family-justice-centers.page
Safe Horizon Counseling Center safehorizon.org/find-us
 
More information at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/victim-services/frequently-asked-questions.page.
 
Updated on September 9, 2024

Criminal Law

Crime

The Legal Aid NYC
Legal Aid NYC is a non-profit organization offering legal assistance to individuals in New York City. What sets it apart from other organizations is its provision of support for criminal matters (wrongful convictions, appeals, clemency, and sealing), which similar organizations do not commonly offer.
 
Reach their Legal Aid staff members by calling 212-577-3300. Learn more about Legal Aid NYC services at https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help.
 
Neighborhood Defenders NDS
NDS is an innovative, community-based, holistic public defense practice in Northern Manhattan. It offers pre-arrest services and criminal, family, and immigration services as well.
If you ever need help with any criminal law issues, please call (212) 876-5500. The awesome work of detectives allows NDS lawyers to support their clients strongly.
You can also check out more about what they do by visiting their website at https://neighborhooddefender.org/services/criminal-defense.
 
Brooklyn Defenders (BDS)
Brooklyn Defender Services is a non-profit law firm that helps people accused of crimes. If the police are looking for someone you know and believe they will be arrested or if someone you know was arrested in the last 24 hours, call Brooklyn Defenders at 718-254-0700 for legal assistance.
 
Brooklyn Defender Services has social workers, investigators, and paralegals who prepare cases for trial, investigate plea deals to lower fines, and advise clients diligently. Learn more by visiting their website at https://bds.org/get-help.
 
 
Bronx Defenders
The Bronx Defenders, a legal aid organization based in the South Bronx, provides a range of services to clients and community members.
 
If police or a child welfare agency have called you and you don’t have a lawyer, call the Bronx Defenders’ legal emergency hotline at 347-778-1266 for legal help. You can also visit their office at 360 161st Street, Bronx, New York. Learn more about their services by visiting their website at https://www.bronxdefenders.org/clients-community/help.

 
USEFUL RESOURCES
 
• Information on pending criminal cases, including court dates, charges, and more:
https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim_attorney/AttorneyWelcome
 
• To find someone in New York City jails:
https://www.nyc.gov/site/doc/inmate-info/inmate-lookup.page
 
• To find someone in New York State facilities:
https://nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov
 
Updated on May 29, 2024